You are here

Society 1858 spiced up Charleston’s art scene with their Habanero Rhythm Party on Friday, February 8. The Latin-inspired fiesta kicked off in celebration of the Gibbes Museum of Art exhibition Vibrant Vision: The Collection of Jonathan Green and Richard Weedman, and featured local live music, African drumming and dance, and freshly rolled, Cuban-style cigars.

Partygoers arrived to find two vintage cars parked in front of the museum, one of which held the lovely Claire Slover, dressed in colorful, vintage Cuban-inspired regalia. Guests entered to find the museum packed tight with art patrons, young creatives, and Charleston socialites. Some revelers squeezed through the crowd to find the cigar station, where Cuban-style cigars were being hand-rolled next to a sign kindly asking partygoers not smoke in the museum.

Guests noshed on tasty bites from Moe’s Southwestern Grill, including Cuban-style quesadillas, beans and rice, and plantain chips, before making their way upstairs for the dynamic African drumming and dance performance. The drummers and dancers put on one amazing show, and the crowd cheered loudly, enthralled at the colorful display.

After the show, everyone milled about enjoying the gorgeous works of art and the beautiful sounds of Leah Suarez & Friends, who played Latin jazz tunes on the second floor. The Garage Cuban Band played simultaneously downstairs, and partygoers grabbed a drink from the bar before hitting the dance floor as the night wore on. One guest surveyed the crowd and laughed, “Wow, people are getting down at the Gibbes!”

It was an amazing night of fine art, dance, music, and great company, benefiting Society 1858 and the Gibbes Museum of Art. Society 1858 is the Gibbes Museum of Art’s group of dynamic young professionals, who support the museum with social and educational programs tailored for up-and-coming art patrons.